The quality with which the forms are practiced has a major influence on the ability to apply the WT principles in actual combat.
The sequence of movements in the relatively short WingTsun forms is quickly learned, but even masters constantly refine their execution.

Naturally one could discuss countless aspects to which particular attention must be paid when practicing the forms, but the object of this series is not an exhaustive analysis of all the movements in a form. Instead we provide examples of important aspects which should be noted.

Siu-Nim-Tau
 

1st set:
Once the IRAS has been adopted and the fists have been pulled back as Sao-Chong, both arms are pushed forward to form a crossed Tan-Sao in front of the chest. From there they move downwards together to form a crossed Gaan-Sao, then the Kwan-Sao movement returns them to the crossed Tan-Sao position followed by a final Sao-Chong movement.

NOTE: The wrists must remain straight during the entire sequence of movements from Tan to Gaan-Sao and back.


2nd set:
Starting with the left, this begins with a straight punch along the centreline. After fully extending the arm, the hand performs a Huen-Sao movement and the arm is pulled back with Sao-Chong. The same movements are repeated with the right.

NOTE: The elbow must be kept as low as possible throughout the punch. Even though it must of course be raised as the arm is stretched, it must always follow the lowest possible path (otherwise the result is best described as an incorrect snap-punch with the lower arm).
 

3rd set:
The left hand is opened and pushed forward along the centreline. When it has reached its furthest position (anatomically defined if the hand does not rise; the elbow is then approx. a fist’s breadth from the body), the hand is brought from the Tan-Sao position to the Wu-Sao position by a Huen-Sao movement.
 

NOTE: Make sure the Wu-Sao moves forward when becoming erect. The change in the hand position makes it anatomically possible to advance the hand further than in the Tan-Sao position without leaving the centreline in an upward direction.
 

4th set:
The longest set in the Siu-Nim-Tau begins with a left sideways Gam-Sao, followed by the same movement on the right. A double Gam-Sao is then performed to the rear, then to the front. From here both arms are brought to the Lan-Sao position in front of the chest, at the height of the centreline. The left arm is above the right. After a brief glance to both sides, both arms move sideways to perform Fak-Sao. They then return to the double Lan-Sao position, with the right over the left. The double Lan-Sao becomes a double Jam-Sao, followed by a double Tok-Sao and double Jat-Sao. A finger-strike at eye level is then performed with both arms. After a downward ”long-bridge“ Gam-Sao with the arms stretched, and a subsequent lift, the set ends with Sao-Chong.
 

NOTE: When changing from the double Lan-Sao to the double Jam-Sao, make sure the elbows sink as low as possible.
 

Source: WINGTSUN World